Tegat expects tough road for MBU

NEWLY APPOINTED head coach of Montego Bay United FC, Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis, believes the short-term goal of winning the Jamaica Premier League will present a formidable challenge.

Davis was announced as new head coach just days after MBU and Argentinian Rodolfo Zapata parted ways in surprising fashion.

“The team is in a system already, so I can’t just go in there and try and fix everything one time. The few bad things I have to try and fix like behavioural patterns, the way they defend and attack,” Davis said.

Davis plans on addressing whatever challenges the team has with newly appointed technical director Andrew Peart and the coaching staff.

“We are going to reason with the assistant coach Mr Thewell to get more in depth and watch some video of the team and opponents.

Since new management took over the team in October 2023, three head coach changes have been made in two seasons.

“With the abrupt departure of Rodolfo Zapata, MBU have taken the opportunity to strategically strengthened their leadership by appointing a dynamic duo that blends experience with fresh vision,” read a release from MBU chairman Yoni Epstein.

“For the remainder of the season and beyond, we welcome home club legend and one of Jamaica’s greatest strikers, Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis, returning as head coach.

“With league titles already under his belt at both Arnett Gardens FC and MBU, Davis brings a winning pedigree and deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.”

Acording to MBU, the hiring of Davis, a home-town hero, was deliberate.

“As a club, we took a deliberate approach in evaluating what was needed for both short-term success and long-term dominance,” the release read.

Asked about returning to the club, Davis said his heart has always been in Montego Bay.

“There is no better team to be around than your home-grown team, MBU. I am a Montegonian no matter how far I go, Kingston or Westmoreland, bawn Montegonian. It is a pleasure to be coaching again in the Premier League,” said Davis.

Good foundation

Since January, the club’s fortunes have diminished ever so slightly, with two losses and two draws, but MBU have also had five wins in the period, with Monday night’s 3-0 romp over Tivoli Gardens, evidence that Davis has a good foundation to work with.

MBU sit third in the league on 48 points and look likely for a play-off spot with the third round of the JPL just around the corner.

They sit below second-place Arnett Gardens, on 51 points, and first-place Mount Pleasant, who lead with 58.

Davis is no stranger to MBU, having first taken the reins as head coach in 2016.

He returned again in 2022.

Davis was once Jamaica’s all-time leading goalscorer.

During his playing career, he primarily represented Montego Bay club Seba United, which was later renamed Montego Bay United.

Additionally, Davis has enjoyed significant coaching success, including leading Montego Bay United to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) National Premier League title and Arnett Gardens to the JFF National Under-21 League championship.

Davis also had a stint with high-profile JPL club Mount Pleasant Football Academy.

He also coached his alma mater, Clarendon College and has been head coach at Rusea’s since 2023.

Davis’ first assignment will be against Racing United at the Montego Bay Sports Complex tomorrow.